These tips on how to choose a hairstyle for women over 40 are practical and stylish, and include a fantastic "before and after" picture of one of Diane Keaton's best hairdos.

No matter what hairstyle you choose, you want healthy shiny hair. Argan oil is what the salons recommend, such as Hydrating Argan Oil Hair Mask and Deep Conditioner by Arvazallia. It's for hair that's dry or damaged because of hair dyes, perms, blow drying, curling irons, etc.

My hair is super dry, especially now that I bathe in Epsom salts all the time. I can't help but get salt in my hair, which dries it out. My hair stylist told me to put olive oil on my hair overnight (covered with a shower cap), to restore my dry curls. The problem is that I don't like the smell of olive oil. I prefer a leave-in conditioner with a pretty scent, such as Argan oil.

If you're struggling to find the right hairstyle, consider asking a loved one to give you a "before and after" trip to the hair salon. A hair makeover is a great birthday gift for women turning 40. This should be my first tip for choosing the best hairstyle, because it's a wonderful gift to be given

About choosing hairstyles for women over forty years old: I have to admit, my favorite "hairstyle" is a hat! I rarely spend time doing my hair. The quicker and easier a hairstyle is, the more I like it. But it was fun to research these tips on how to choose a hairstyle for a woman over 40. I found that the best hairstyle is to one that suits your face. I'll describe that tip in more detail, below…

Diane Keaton's hair before it's styled

Diane Keaton's Hair – Before

I've never searched for hairstyles for women over 40 until today, and I found a slew of gorgeous movie stars on Google images. Most of the hairstyles I found are on women are over 50 and 60, like Diane Keaton and Helen Mirren. That works for me, because their beauty makes me feel not so old.

Diane Keaton's hairstyle after

Diane Keaton's hairstyle – after

See what a difference a professional hairstylist makes? We all look like the Diane Keaton in the first photo! Don't compare yourself – or your hair – to movie starts or celebrities. Their job is to look beautiful, and you don't have a hairdresser to give you the perfect hairstyle every morning before you go to work.

An important thing to remember when you're looking for a hairstyle for women over 40 is that if you compare yourself to movie stars, you'll always come up looking short.

New beginnings need new hairstyles, right? I'm starting my second year of my MSW (Master's of Social Work) in three weeks, and I need a new do. My fellow classmates are in their 20s and 30s, and I often feel old around them. I feel wise, peaceful, and happy…but definitely old. If you're a woman over 40 going back to school, please say hello below.

Have fun and be playful when searching for new hairstyles

Your hair will grow out (eventually), so don't be tentative about trying new styles, colors, cuts, curls, or experiments. That said, however, it's also important not to copy a celebrity's hairstyle for women over 40 that you found in a magazine or on the movie screen. At least six hairdressers have told me that it's almost impossible to copy a celebrity style because our face shapes, hair textures, and styling products are different.

Choose a hairstyle that suits the shape of your face

Hairstyles for Women Over 40

I'm no hairdresser, but I know it's important to consider the shape of your face when you're choosing a hairstyle. Women over 40 may be noticing the first hints of jowls and double chins (which I've had all my life, not just as a 40 year old woman!) – and a hairstyle can soften the effects of aging.

Whether your face is round (like mine) or narrow, thin or wide, heart-shaped or high-browed can make a huge difference when you're looking for a new hairstyle. How do you know what hairstyle suits you, as a woman over 40?

Look for hairstyles that are convenient and easy

Okay, this is the first thing I think about when I'm looking for a new look! I don't want to spend more than 15 minutes on my hair in the morning. Actually, I don't want to spent more than FIVE minutes on my hair, and 10 minutes on my makeup and clothes (15 minutes total).

Most women over 40 (and younger than 40) have hairstyles that take longer. I have no idea how much longer, but I'm almost 100% sure it's at least twice as long! Before you choose a new hairstyle, think about how much time you want to spend washing, blow drying, curling, straightening, back combing, moussing, and spraying. Life is too short to waste on your hair – which is why convenience and ease is my first tip for women over 40 who are looking for a new hairstyle.

Try different types of hairstyles for women at the wig store

There are so many types of hairstyles for women over 40: pixie cuts, asymmetrical cuts, long layers, bobs, shags. Further, there are different types of each of those hairstyles (eg, piecey bobs, bouncy bobs, angled bobs, etc). It can actually get quite complicated and confusing.

How to Choose a Hairstyle for Women Over 40

One way to narrow down your search for a hairstyle that suits you is to try on wigs. Have you ever done this? What a blast – it's so much fun. Find a wig store, and play with the huge variety of wigs for women.

Going to a wig store is better than those wig websites or software programs that show you what you look like with different hairstyles. I think this is the best way to look for hairstyles for women over 40 – but I don't know if the wig store owners would appreciate it.

If you know of any websites or blogs that allow you to put different hairstyles on your face so you see what they look like, please let me know in the comments section below. I don't think the computer programs are as good as trying on wigs in person when you're looking for a hairstyle, but they might help you find a few ideas.

Think about your lifestyle and schedule

I can't describe all the possible types of hairstyles for women over 40 here, but I did find a great tip from Wikihow.com on how to choose a hairstyle for women over 40: "Set up a schedule. Once you've found a hairstyle you like, figure out what you need to do to maintain it and schedule accordingly. For instance, if your super-short pixie cut will need a trim every four weeks, schedule them ahead of time. It will be more difficult for you to put off the appointment, and your hair will stay looking fresh." – from How to Choose a Hairstyle.

Before you decide on a hairstyle, decide how much time and money you want to spend maintaining it. This brings us back to my first tip on choosing a hairstyle for women over 40!

Schedule a consultation with a hair stylist

I get my hair cut at Magic Cuts, Superstore, or Singleton's for $20, including tax and tip. But, I won a haircut at Kathleen & Co. in North Vancouver, BC – and I think they're an expensive hair boutique. My plan is to ask Kathleen what hairstyles for women over 40 would suit my face and lifestyle, and let her do what she pleases.

The truth is, I don't really care what my hair looks like. Instead of fooling around with my hair – or choosing a new hairstyle – I'd rather be blogging, running with my dogs, daydreaming, reading, doing yoga, practising my flute, and planning my next vacation! Except, I have to admit, for the grays! I use Clairol Nice 'N Easy Hair Color to dye my hair – I can't believe how much cheaper it is on Amazon than at Superstore.

If you're serious about choosing a hairstyle for women over 40, then I encourage you to make a couple of consultation hair appointments with hairstylists (unless, of course, you love your current stylist). Choosing a new hairstylist is a big deal for many women over 40, and it's important to take your time before you make any decisions.

If you have anything to add to these tips for choosing a hairstyle for women over 40, please comment below…and remember: "Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment." – Emerson. Your hair will grow out if you choose the wrong hairstyle!

Need encouragement & inspiration?

Welcome - I'm glad you're here! I can't give advice, but you're welcome to share your experience below. I'm a writer in Vancouver; my degrees are in Psychology, Education, and Social Work. I live with my husband, two dogs, and cat. We are childless, & have made peace with it. It helps to love Jesus :-)

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